Plastination: A novel, innovative teaching adjunct in oral pathology

The study of gross specimens is an integral part in learning oral pathology. Unfortunately their storage and handling using traditional formalin is discouragingly difficult. This review describes an alternative approach called "plastination" to study and teach gross specimens using silicone polymers. The process is simple, inexpensive, and can be carried out in any histology laboratory to produce dry, odorless, durable, life-like, maintenance-free, and nonhazardous specimens. Unfortunately the process of plastination for oral specimens has received little attention since its invention. Therefore, an innovative attempt on oral specimens using locally available resin was tried by us. The specimens remained well preserved in dry state without any color change. We recommend this process for any oral pathology department for maintaining museum and for both undergraduate and postgraduate training.